Dispenser/closure for flexible product containers

ABSTRACT

A dispenser adapter assembly for bags includes a bag having a line of weakness defining an opening, and a dispenser adapter mounted to the bag. The dispenser adapter is formed of a first main base portion having an opening and a second slider retention base portion having an opening, with the two base portions being folded together with the openings substantially aligned with the bag opening. In addition a slide actuator is mounted between the two portions of the base for movement between a closed position blocking the openings and an open position permitting product flow through all of the openings. Mating movable and fixed stops are also provided to limit outward movement of the slide actuator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to arrangements for permitting thedispensing of product from flexible product contains such as bags, andfor providing a closure for the bag following dispensing of a part ofthe contents thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many products, such as candy, dry cereal, and certain types ofcookies and crackers are sold in flexible bags. Once the bags have beenopened, however, the bags are often not easily re-closed, with attendantspilling of product, loss of freshness, contamination, and similarproblems. One product which has been proposed to overcome this problemis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,332 B1. In this arrangement, a bagis secured within a box, with a line of weakness in the bag defining abag opening aligned with an opening in the box. Further, the box openingmay be selectively closed or opened to disperse product.

[0003] While this arrangement is satisfactory for products in bagsmounted in boxes, such as a dry cereal, it is not applicable to productssold in bags without enclosing boxes, and requires special manufacturingarrangements to secure the bag within the box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the inventor to providea simple dispenser/closure for products in flexible bags, which solvethe problems outlined above.

[0005] In accordance with one specific illustrative embodiment of theinvention, a dispenser adapter for flexible pourable product containers,such as bags, includes a flexible bag with lines of weakness defining abag opening, preferably near one end of the bag, and a dispenser basehaving a first main base portion and a second slider retention portion,both with openings, and with the two portions being folded together toprovide aligned dispenser openings and a guide. The dispenser base ismounted to the bag with the bag opening aligned with the dispenseropenings. A slide actuator is mounted between the first and secondportions of the base, and this slide actuator is movable between aclosed position blocking the openings and closing the bag, and an openposition permitting product to flow through the openings in the bag andbase.

[0006] Other features or aspects of the dispenser adapter assembly mayinclude the following:

[0007] 1. The base and the slide actuator may have interfitting stopsfor limiting outward movement of the actuator.

[0008] 2. The stops may involve outwardly extending movable stop tabs atthe inner end of the actuator, and mating fixed stops on the base nearthe mouth of the base where the slide actuator exits the base.

[0009] 3. A first portion of the base may have side flaps which may befolded over the second portion of the base to hold the two portions ofthe base together, and to provide a guide for the slide actuator.

[0010] 4. The base may be secured to the bag with the second portion inengagement with the bag, whereby the smooth surface of the first portionof the dispenser/closure is exposed.

[0011] 5. The bag and dispenser adapter assembly may be mounted in abox, with the box being cut away or having an opening to provide accessto the slide actuator and to permit product flow.

[0012] 6. The slide actuator may be provided with an extension forsecuring to the top of the box with the extension flat against the topof the box when the slide is closed, and angularly raised where theslide is opened.

[0013] 7. The slide actuator has an extended portion for gripping by theuser.

[0014] 8. An easily broken line of weakness, preferably in the form of atie or perforations may be provided between the slide actuator and thebase, to hold the slider in place prior to initiating the dispensingmode of the unit. This easily broken line of weakness maybe be at eitherend of the slide actuator, or slider.

[0015] 9. The fixed stops for the assembly may involve fold lines,folded material or adhesive stops, for example.

[0016] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a dispenseradapter for flexible pourable product containers, such as bags, includesa flexible bag with lines of weakness defining a bag opening, preferablynear one end of the bag, and a dispenser base having at least oneopening, and with a portion of the base being folded over to provide adispenser opening aligned with the bag opening and a guide. A slideactuator is mounted on the base with movement limited by the guide, andthis slide actuator is movable between a closed position blocking saidopenings and closing the bag, and an open position permitting product toflow through the openings in the bag and base.

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from a consideration of the following detaileddescription and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a dispenser adapterillustrating one embodiment of the invention in the open configurationfor dispensing pourable product;

[0019]FIG. 2 shows a blank from which a dispenser adapter may be formed;

[0020]FIG. 3 shows an initial step of folding the slide actuator down,in the course of forming the completed assembly;

[0021]FIG. 4 shows the second step of folding the slide actuator and onepart of the base over the other portion of the base;

[0022]FIG. 5 shows the assembled adapter mounted on a bag, with theslide actuator closed;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5, but with the slideactuator open;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

[0025]FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross sectionalview of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

[0027]FIG. 8A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 9 illustrates the application of the dispenser adapter to abag and box assembly, in an exploded view;

[0029]FIG. 10 shows the assembled configuration of the parts shown inFIG. 9;

[0030]FIG. 11 shows an assembly with an extension provided for the slideactuator, and with the extension secured to the top of the box; and

[0031]FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show an additional embodiment of theinvention, with FIG. 12 showing a blank, FIG. 13 showing partialformation, and FIG. 14 showing the completed dispenser adapter assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, product 12 from a bag 14is being dispensed from the bag 14 using the dispenser adapter 16 withthe slide actuator 18 in its open position. As will be developed below,the slide actuator 18 may be slid into the dispenser adapter 16 to closethe bag 14.

[0033] In FIG. 1, a portion 20 of the bag 14 is coming free from the bag14 and may be removed to provide a hole aligned with the holes in theadapter. In the course of the manufacturing step, the material 20 of thebag is outlined by a line of weakness, which may take the form of aseries of perforations, or by partially die cutting through the materialof the bag. As another manufacturing step, the dispenser adapterassembly may be mounted to the film or sheet material from which the bagis formed prior to completion of the bag or filling it with product.

[0034] The next few figures of the drawing show steps in the formationof the dispenser adapter, such as that shown at reference number 16 inFIG. 1.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows a blank 16 from which the complete dispenser adaptermay be formed. In FIG. 2 the base is formed of a first portion 24 and asecond portion 26, separated by a fold line 28. The openings 30 and 32are aligned where the two parts 24, 26 are folded along line 28.

[0036] The slide actuator 34 is secured to the base part 24 only by tie36 so that it may be readily separated from base part 24 when thedispenser adapter is put into use. Fold line 38 extending across theslide actuator 34, may be noted, and permits easy gripping of theactuator tab 40 which is used to shift the position of the slideactuator 34.

[0037] The mating stops 42 on the slide actuator, and 44 on the basepart 24 serve to limit outward movement of the slide actuator 34 as moreclearly shown in later figures of the drawings.

[0038] The spots of adhesive 46 on base part 24 engage areas 48 on basepart 26 to firmly secure stop tabs 44 in place. The adhesive stripes 50at the outer edges of base part 26 hold base parts 24 and 26 together,following folding along line 28, and subsequent overlapping folding ofthe side flaps 52 inward along fold lines 54.

[0039]FIG. 3 of the drawings shows the first step in the formation ofthe blank of FIG. 2 into the completed dispenser adapter. Morespecifically, in FIG. 3 the slide actuator 34 has been folded down alongline 38, with the remainder of the assembly being as shown in FIG. 2. Itmay also be noted that, in the showing of FIG. 3, the actuator tab 40has been bent back, so that it is only shown in dashed lines.

[0040] In FIG. 4 of the drawings the upper portion of the partialassembly of FIG. 3 has been folded down along fold line 28, so that theslide actuator 34 is between the base parts 24 and 26. In addition, themating stops 42 on the slide actuator and 44 on part 24 may been seen intheir operating relationships. In the showing of FIG. 4, the side flaps52 have not yet been folded over to complete the assembly.

[0041]FIGS. 5 and 6 show the dispenser adapter 16 mounted on a bag 14,with FIG. 5 showing the slide actuator 34 in the closed position, andFIG. 6 showing the slide actuator 34 in the open position.

[0042] In FIG. 5 the slider 34 and the tab 40 are still secured to thebase part 24 by the tie 36. This tie 36 is merely a very shortconnection between two cuts so that it is easily broken to operate theslide actuator and open the dispenser adapter, as shown in FIG. 6.Incidentally, instead of the single tie 36, perforations, or severalties, or merely a line of weakness by partially die cutting along theline, including tie 36, may be employed.

[0043]FIG. 6 shows the stops 42 on the slide actuator engaging the stops44 on the base portion 24 to limit outward movement of the slideactuator 34.

[0044] In both FIGS. 5 and 6, the side flaps 52 on base part 26 havebeen folded over and adhesively secured to base part 24. The slideactuator 34 is now constrained to linear in-and-out motion as the stops42 engage the resultant fold, and the reduced width upper part of theslide actuator 34 is limited in its lateral movement by stops 44.

[0045]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5,and FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 7. Relative to FIGS. 7and 7A, it may be noted that the slider 34 is closed and that the bagelement 20 is shown partially loosened from bag 14. In addition, to benoted in FIGS. 7 and 7A are the side flaps 52 which hold the lower basepart 26 to the upper base part 24.

[0046] Turning now to the cross-sectional views of FIG. 8 and 8A, notethat the cross-section is taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 6, which showsthe slider 34 in the open configuration. In FIGS. 8 and 8A, the toplayer is the side flap 52 which holds the upper base member 24 to thelower base member 26. The stops 42 at the lower end of slider 34 ride inthe space between the two base members 24 and 26. The adhesive 46 wouldbe thinner than shown in FIG. 8A, and holds the tabs 44 close to lowerbase member 26 so that the stop tabs 42 on the slider 34 limit theupward movement of the slider to the point where stop tabs 42 engagestops 44 on the upper base member 24. Adhesive 53 bonds the dispenserassembly to the bag 14.

[0047]FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings show another embodiment of theinvention in which a bag 62 is mounted in a box 64. The bag 62 may beprovided with a dispenser adapter assembly 66 of the type describedhereinabove. The box 64 is a generally conventional tube type box withlower closure flaps 68, and upper closure flaps 70. The box has anopening, or is cut away at area 72 so that the dispenser adapterassembly 66 is accessible, as indicated in FIG. 10.

[0048]FIG. 11 shows a bag and box configuration which is similar to theshowing of FIGS. 9 and 10. However, the embodiment of FIG. 11 includes adispenser adapter 82 with an extended slide actuator 84 which is securedto the top of the box 86 at area 88 located on the side of the top ofbox 86 away from the side of box 86 where the main dispenser adapterassembly 82 is located. The slide actuator 84 may be provided with a tabor cut 90 to facilitate raising and lowering the slide actuator 84 andopening and closing the product package. As in the case of thearrangements of FIGS. 9 and 10, the box 86 may be cut away at area 92 toprovide access to the dispenser adapter assembly 82.

[0049]FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of the invention,with FIG. 12 showing a blank which may be folded and bonded to realizethe invention, FIG. 13 showing a partially assembled configuration, andFIG. 14 showing the completed assembly.

[0050]FIG. 12 includes the main base portion 102 with a central opening104 through which product may be dispensed. Also shown in FIG. 12 arethe slide actuator or slider 106, and the slide retention member 108which forms part of the fixed base portion of the assembly. The sideflaps 110 on either side of the main base member 102, are provided withadhesive stripes 112 for subsequent bonding to the side portions ofslide retention member 108.

[0051] In FIG. 13 the slider is shown folded inward along fold line 114.Incidentally the tie 116 indicates a line of weakness 118 along whichthe slider 106 may be separated from the remainder of the assembly. Thisline of weakness may be implemented by a single tie as indicated, or byperforations having long cuts and short ties, for example.

[0052] An adhesive coated area 122 of the slide retention member 108 isadhered to the area 124 by folding along the stop folds 12 b to providea positive fixed stop for engagement by the movable stops 128 on theslider 106.

[0053]FIG. 14 shows the assembled dispenser closer with the sliderpartially raised to partially open the hole 104 through which productmay be dispensed. In FIG. 14 the left side flap 110 is shown closed,with the flap being adhesively secured to one of the side legs of theslide retainer 108; while the right hand side flap 110 has not yet beenfolded over the other side leg of slide retention member 108. In FIG.14, the tie 116 has been broken, to permit opening of the slider 106.

[0054] One advantage of the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14 is that the fixedstop 126 for limiting movement of the slider is implemented by a fold inthe material, rather than by adhesive, as in the case of thearrangements of FIGS. 1-11 of the present specification. It may also benoted that both the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14 and that of FIGS. 1-11have a main base portion and a slider retention portion. Further, in theembodiment of FIGS. 12-14, the slider retention portion 108 has acentral rectangular opening which is much larger than the opening 104 inthe main base portion.

[0055] It is also noted that the dispenser adapter could, with minorchanges, be made using only a slide actuator or slider similar to thatshown as reference numeral 34 in FIG. 2, and a single base member suchas that shown at reference numeral 26 in FIG. 2. To provide limitingstops for the slider, the upper ends of the flaps 52 may be cut andsecured together; and the lower end of part 26 may be extended foradhesive bonding to the bag. Following adhesive binding of the adapterto the bag, the slider would be located between the hole in the bag andthe hole in the single base member, when the slider is in its closedposition; and product may be poured out of the bag when the sideactuator or slider is shifted to its open position.

[0056] In conclusion, in the foregoing detailed description and in theaccompanying drawings preferred embodiments of the invention have beendisclosed. However, it is to be understood that various modificationsand changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Thus, by way of example and not of limitation, eitherside of the dispenser adapter may be secured to the bag or othercontainer. Also, the upper ends of the flaps 52 could be cut to form thebase stops 44, and the lower end of the slide actuator could be providedwith a reversely bent tab to form a stop to mate with a similarreversely bent portion of a base member. In addition, the openings onthe bag and the base members do not have to be of the same size orconfiguration; i.e., one or two of the holes or the base could be squareor triangular if desired; or one of the base openings could merely be aframe extending around the hole in the other base member. Concerningmaterials, the dispenser adapter assembly may be made of heavy paper orlight weight cardboard, of aluminum, of plastic sheet material, or anyother sheet material, preferably compatible with the bag with which itis to be used. Regard the “tie” securing the slider to the base prior touse, any readily breakable coupling such as perforations or partialcutting to form a line of weakness, may be employed. Accordingly, thepresent invention is not limited to the precise embodiments as shown anddescribed hereinabove.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible bag dispenser adapter assemblycomprising: a flexible bag having a line of weakness defining a bagopening located toward one end of said flexible bag; a dispenser basehaving a first main base portion with an opening and a second slideretention portion with an opening, said portions being folded togetherto provide aligned openings and a guide; said base being mounted to saidbag with said dispenser openings aligned with said bag opening; and aslide actuator mounted between said first and second portions of saidbase, said slide actuator being movable between a closed positionblocking said openings, and an open position permitting product flowthough said openings in said bag and said base.
 2. An assembly asdefined in claim 1 wherein said base and said slide actuator haveinterfitting stops for limiting movement of said actuator.
 3. Anassembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator has an extendedportion for gripping by the user.
 4. An assembly as defined in claim 3further comprising a box containing said bag, said box being cut away toexpose said openings, and the top of said box having an opening forreceiving said extended portion of said actuator, whereby the contentsof said box may be accessed by raising said actuator.
 5. An assembly asdefined in claim 4 wherein said box has first and second sides and atop, wherein said box is cut away on one side of said box, and whereinthe end of the extended portion of said actuator is secured to the topof said box adjacent the second side of said box.
 6. An assembly asdefined in claim 1, further including side flaps for securing said firstand second portions of said base together.
 7. An assembly as defined inclaim 1 wherein said first portion of said base has side flaps forfolding over said second portion of said base for securing said firstand second portions of said base together, and adhesive on said secondportion of said base and on said side flaps for mounting said dispenseradapter to said bag.
 8. An assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein saiddispenser base is mounted to said bag using permanent adhesive.
 9. Asassembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said slide actuator has firstand second ends, with an actuator tab at the first end for gripping bythe user, and outwardly extending stop tabs at the other end, said stoptabs engaging mating fixed stops on said base to limit movement of saidactuator after said actuator reaches the open position.
 10. The assemblyas defined in claim 9 wherein said fixed stops constitute fold linesbetween said first and second portions of said base.
 11. A dispenseradapter assembly for use with containers such as a flexible bag,comprising: a dispenser base having a first portion and a second portionfolded together to provide aligned openings and a guide, said dispenserbase having permanent adhesive thereon for securing said dispenser baseto a container; and a slide actuator mounted between said front and rearportions of said base, said slide actuator being movable between aclosed position blocking said openings, and an open position permittingproduct flow though said openings in said adapter base.
 12. An assemblyas defined in claim 11 wherein said base and said actuator haveinterfitting stops for restraining movement of said actuator.
 13. Anassembly as defined in claim 11 wherein said actuator has an extendedportion for gripping by the user.
 14. An assembly as defined in claim11, further including side flaps for securing said first and secondportions of said base together.
 15. As assembly as defined in claim 11,wherein said slide actuator has first and second ends, with an actuatortab at the first end for gripping by the user, and outwardly extendingstop tabs at the other end, said stop tabs engaging mating tabs on saidbase to limit movement of said actuator after said actuator reaches theopen position.
 16. An assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein said slideactuator is initially secured to one of said base portions by breakableweakened material, whereby said slide actuator is held to said baseprior to use, and is easily actuated by breaking said weakened materialwhen the slider is shifted to the open configuration.
 17. A flexible bagdispenser adapter assembly comprising: a flexible bag having a line ofweakness defining a bag opening located toward one end of said flexiblebag; a dispenser base having at least one opening, with parts of saidbase being folded over to provide guiding arrangements; said base beingmounted to said bag with said dispenser base opening aligned with saidbag opening; and a slide actuator mounted to said base in engagementwith said guiding arrangements, said slide actuator being movablebetween a closed position blocking said opening, and an open positionpermitting product flow though said openings in said bag and said base.18. An assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein said base and said slideactuator have mating movable and fixed stops for limiting movement ofsaid actuator.
 19. An assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein said fixedstops constitue folded base material.
 20. An assembly as defined inclaim 17 wherein said actuator has an extended portion for gripping bythe user.
 21. A dispenser adapter assembly for use with containers suchas a flexible bag, comprising: a dispenser adapter base having at leastone opening and having parts thereof folded over to provide guidingarrangements; a slide actuator mounted to said base and in engagementwith said guiding arrangements; said slide actuator being movablebetween a closed position blocking said opening, and an open positionpermitting product flow though said opening in said base; said base andsaid slide actuator having mating stops for limiting movement of saidslide actuator; and adhesive for securing said dispenser base to acontainer.
 22. An assembly as defined in claim 20 wherein said slideactuator is initially secured to said base by breakable weakenedmaterial, whereby said slide actuator is held to said base prior to use,and is easily actuated by breaking said weakened material when theslider is shifted to the open configuration.